ALBUM: Lion Babe ‘Begin’

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Jillian Hervey and Lucas Goodman have an instinct for pure, powerful, neo soul beats. Hervey’s a singer/songwriter and performance artist, Goodman’s an instrumentalist and producer. Their talents culminate under the banner of Lion Babe, and over the last 12 months the New York Duo have invested their time and energy in the creation of debut album, Begin.

The pair have friends in high places: the album includes collaborations with the likes of Pharrell Williams, Childish Gambino, Andrew Wyatt and Al Shux. With company likes this, it’s not surprising that Lion Babe’s tunes are crafted with coolness and precision. ‘Whole’ is an assertive, dominant opener; whilst the hazy, hypnotic quality of the beats on ‘Jump Hi’ sees the pair “Cutting through the haze, to our glory days”. It’s the understated confidence of both the music and the vocals on the funky ‘Wonder Woman’ that has gained the duo well deserved attention. Hervey coolly threatens “You don’t wanna see what happens when I get provoked” as Goodman provides the smooth, soulful bass. ‘Impossible’ follows in this tradition; strong, consistent – and most importantly – super cool.

The small stresses of everyday life can be pushed aside to the sound of ‘Stressed OUT!’ – Hervey calmly urges her listeners to “Take a moment for yourself” and not to fear the silence: “Be lonely, in the dark, you might see you’re okay…”. On ‘Satisfy My Love’ she extrapolates about romantic fulfilment, whilst the infectious disco rhythm on ‘Where Do We Go’ will have even the most reluctant feet tapping from start to finish. The production of ‘On The Rocks’ is as sharp as the taste of the straight drinks Hervey’s sipping, and clicks and bass drums combine on ‘Jungle Lady’ to create a chilled but impassioned listen. On ‘Got Body’ Hervey celebrates her physicality as a woman with curves who’s simply “made to dance”. The sleepy, melodic ‘Little Dreamer’ closes the album, and is three minutes of sweet, soulful musings on childhood and imagination.

With powerful production values and cool tracks that are destined to fill dance floors; Lion Babe’s Begin is an intuitive, provocative musical creation that Hervey and Goodman should be super proud of.

Begin is released on 5th February via Outsiders Recorded Music Ltd.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate Crudgington

Kate Crudgington

Assistant Editor for Gigslutz (2015-2017) Now Co-Founder, Co-Host & Features Editor for @getinherears